Album name: Kids In The Street
Label: Interscope
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Review written by: Alex Boisvert

Revenge of the Rejects. The All-American Rejects return to the music scene, four years after their last album, When the World Comes Down. But, after hearing their new album, I can tell you it was well worth the wait. Kids in the Street is full of catchy, innovative songs that seem to combine their original style with some new ideas. They’ve certainly mastered the art of keeping up with the ever-changing music scene. Their first single off of the album, “Beekeeper’s Daughter,” is already generating a lot of buzz (no pun intended), which leads me to think the same will happen for the rest of the album. These Oklahoma natives are sure to take over the music scene, once again, so be prepared. These rejects are ready to join the in-crowd.

The album kicks off with “Someday’s Gone,” an edgy track about letting go of someone you thought you had a future with. The central line, “Everybody already knows my someday’s gone now,” implies that this wasn’t really a shot in the dark kind of situation. This is definitely a powerful kick-off to the album.

“Beekeeper’s Daughter” was the first single released from Kids in the Street. Tyson Ritter, lead singer, describes this song as a sort of “goodbye” to the guy he was before. The lyrics talk about a guy who leaves girls in the dust, forgetting the concept of respect. Ritter mentioned this is the guy he used to be, but he’s “seen the light.”

“Fast & Slow” is by far the most upbeat track on the album. The general idea behind the song is a guy and a girl wanting to go different paces in a relationship. The most appealing part of the song is the 80s-like beat, even including a Flock of Seagulls-esque guitar part in the pre-chorus. On a calmer side is “Heartbeat Slowing Down.” As can be assumed, this is about what happens after the break up. Slightly predictable concept, but the production and talent pulls it out of the “average” zone.

Following a male accented voice saying, “So, tell me about your mother,” is the track “Walk Over Me.” The psychiatrist-type question ties in because the song is about someone talking to a doctor about his problems. This is one of the lightest, most fun tracks on the album. It doesn’t require much emotion or thought. “Out the Door” is another track about a breakup. It starts off rather slow, causing me to say this may be the first “miss” of the album. It doesn’t instantly draw you in like the others do.

“Kids in the Street”: best song on the album, hands down. Instantly, with the melody played by the synth, you feel the need to dance. If that’s not the sign of a good song, what is? It also pulls on that nostalgic time of being kids playing in the street, which is something that will draw a lot of people in. Though it’s tough to follow that track, “Bleed Into Your Mind” does a pretty good job. It’s definitely a calmer alternative to the previous, though.

“Gonzo” may be the second “miss” of the album. The concept of just being done and leaving is great but the other elements of the track aren’t as strong as they could be, in comparison with the others. “Affection” has a totally different feel than every other track on this album. It sounds more like a track that can be heard on a movie soundtrack. Especially since it’s based on the concept of needing love; the plot line for nearly all movies.

“I For You” is an acoustic track about someone who will fight for you and protect you. Ritter says this was written for a friend who passed away a few years ago. Lyrically, this is the strongest song on the album. Plus, with it being acoustic, you can hear every emotion being put into the song. “Drown Next to Me” is filled with imagery that makes it powerful. “Just sand in the water, drown next to me,” just touches on that idea that if we’re something so small in the world, we need someone next to us.

The deluxe edition also comes with demo versions of “Someday’s Gone,” “Bleed Into Your Mind” and “Do Me Right”. The final cut of “Do Me Right” didn’t make it onto the album.

Overall, this is a great comeback album for the Rejects. They were successfully able to tie in their older styles with some styles of the newer music scene, blending them beautifully. If you have liked The All-American Rejects in the past, and you’ve heard and enjoyed “Beekeeper’s Daughter,” then this album may end up in your Top 10. Seriously, when you see it, pick up a copy. You won’t regret it.